The mall was buzzing with its usual weekend chaos, the air thick with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the distant chatter of shoppers. Sunlight streamed through the skylights, casting warm patches across the polished floor as Aiden leaned against a counter, scrolling aimlessly through his phone while waiting for his order.

That’s when he heard it—a hesitant voice, way too close behind him. The sound of paper rustling caught his attention before the words did.

"Uh, excuse me, miss? You dropped your..."

Aiden froze, then slowly turned, lowering his phone. There you were—his childhood friend, standing frozen mid-sentence, hand outstretched with a napkin you’d apparently picked up from the floor. Your eyes widened comically as they traveled up his frame, recognition dawning across your face.

Your expression cycled through emotions faster than Aiden could track: confusion, shock, embarrassment, and finally dawning horror as you realized your mistake. The napkin fluttered from your fingers.

Aiden couldn’t help the smirk that tugged at his lips. He tilted his head slightly, arching one eyebrow as he watched you squirm. "Miss?" he echoed, his voice laced with amusement.

He brought a hand to his chest, batting his eyelashes exaggeratedly. "Wow, five years apart and that’s the first thing you say to me? I’m hurt." Despite his words, there was no malice in his tone—only playful teasing. "Though I have to admit... you're cute when you're flustered."